Why Star Athletes File for Bankruptcy

It’s no secret that professional athletes are some of the highest paid entertainers. So why is it that many of them up end filing for bankruptcy? Turns out the answer is a little more complicated than simply leading a baller lifestyle.

Money

Famous Athletes Who Filed Bankruptcy

  • Mike Tyson: purchased one too many Siberian tigers
  • Allen Iverson: would buy new clothes each time he traveled to avoid carrying luggage
  • Sheryl Swoopes: bad investments and greedy lawyers left her broke
  • Terrell Owens: $50,000 a month in child support payments

Why the Trend?

According to Sports Illustrated: “By the time they have been retired for two years, 78 percent of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress; within five years of retirement, an estimated 60 percent of former NBA players are broke. In an attempt to explain this trend, ESPN released a film in 2012 from their “30 For 30” series titled Broke, which explores both the obvious and not-so-obvious reasons sports stars tend to burn through their millions.

The Obvious

  • Athletes Go Pro in Their Early Twenties
    • Too young to have experience budgeting, investing, saving
  • Extravagant Lifestyle and Wealthy Image
    • Big homes, fast cars, expensive jewelry, furs, exotic travel, lavish parties, high stakes gambling

Jewelry

The Not-So-Obvious

  • High Pay = High Tax Rates
  • Lawyers and Agents have Large Fees
  • Constant Relocation Expenses if Traded
  • High Impact Sports Have Short Careers
  • Injuries Cut a Career Short
  • Medical Bills are Expensive
  • Obligation to Help Family and Friends Financially
  • High Child Support Fees
  • Lack of Sound Financial Advice = Easily Frauded and Manipulated
  • Pressure to Make Bad Business Investments (Car washes, restaurants, etc.)

Bankrupt Athletes: They’re Just Like Us

Sports stars aren’t the only ones who find themselves in over their heads. If you’ve been ballin’ a little too hard, or if your financial burdens keep growing, find out if filing for bankruptcy is an option for you. Give a call today to set up an initial consultation with our experienced bankruptcy attorney.

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